KHS XC-604 (08) | $1599
BikeRadar verdict
" Probably the best suspension bike under £1,000, this is a brilliantly designed and superbly controlled machine that feels equally at home on steady climbs, rocky descents and high speed singletrack. "
This bargain cross-country full suspension rig’s four-bar linkage back end keeps things very nicely controlled indeed. Grippy but fast-rolling Kenda Nevegal tyres are a performance bonus and the Marzocchi MX Pro Lo fork is good for the price.
KHS’ XC604 looks similar to the Carrera Banshee that it was tested alongside. The basic frame design is similar, but it’s 2.49kg (5.5lb) lighter and has 50mm less suspension travel at each end at just over 100mm. That makes it far more of a cross-country bike than the Banshee and it’s light enough that climbing isn’t a chore.
Ride & handling: great all-round
The frame geometry of the 604 is perfect for cross-country riding, but relaxed enough to tackle steep, technical descents.
The all-in weight is just over 30lb (13.6kg), which is light enough to get up hills without causing excessive grunting but also robust enough to boost roll-through confidence elsewhere.
While the 100mm suspension travel is less than you’ll find on some similarly-priced bikes, it’s still more than enough to absorb most of the big hits.
The XC604 is one of those bikes that’s easy to get up to speed and then holds a rolling momentum, even on trails that tend to challenge bike handling.
It feels confident through the rough stuff, which encourages you to keep pedalling.
Overall, it’s a great all-rounder that rides better than, and has superior equipment to, many of the better-known brands.
Frame/Chassis: keep it simple, stupid
Almost every frame we look at these days is dripping with big swoopy hydroformed sections and tube shapes that appear to put the good old fashioned plumbing approach to shame.
But the technological approach to tube-forming doesn’t always result in a frame that performs technically better, or even one that weighs less.
KHS have kept things simple in the XC604. The main frame uses round tubes, including a double-butted down tube, while the rear subframe tubes are all box section.
This still makes good engineering sense and everything is well reinforced to protect the frame from rough cross-country trails.
A head-to-down tube gusset helps to protect the main tubes from front end impacts, while a bracing tube – designed to support the top of the seat tube – is placed above the low standover top tube.
The rear suspension configuration is a classic Horst Link four-bar linkage set-up, with a link on the chainstays rather than the seatstays to modify the axle path and decouple the braking from the suspension. A short, neat rocker bridges the top of the seatstays to the top of a RockShox Ario 2.1 shock.
The cabling and hose are tucked away under the top tube, and there’s a single set of bottle cage bosses.
The fork is a Marzocchi MX Pro Lo Air model with 100mm of travel. There’s a lever on top of one leg to adjust compression damping all the way to locked out. It possesses excellent rebound damping, which is adjustable via a dial at the bottom of the right leg.
Equipment: better than average
The components are better than average for a full susser at this price.
The drivetrain matches a SRAM X-9 rear mech with a Shimano Deore up front, has X-7 shifters and a Truvativ Firex GXP crankset.
Shimano hydraulic disc brakes perform admirable stopping duties and the wheels and tyres account for a substantial 800g weight saving on those of the harder-hitting Banshee.
WTB’s SpeedDisc rims are shod with grippy but fast rolling 2.1in Kenda Nevegal John Tomac signature tyres.
A Truvativ stem and 25.5in riser bar suit the bike well, the unknown Q2 seatpost does the job and the WTB Silverado saddle is comfy enough as race-style perches go.
Nice bonus: the XC604 comes with Wellgo clipless pedals.
About BikeRadar reviews: Our review scoring system has changed in 2010. Therefore recent reviews may have comparatively lower scores than past reviews. Click here for a full explanation of our ratings.
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User Reviews
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0.3
User review of KHS XC-604 (08)
where can you buy it in the uk
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0.3
User review of KHS XC-604 (08)
Otick
We're glad the 604 is working for you. KHS is currently developing a dealer network in the UK. Please register at khsbikes.co.uk to be sent details of the XC604 and XCT range release dates in the UK as well as dealer network news. Feel free to demand that your local bike store gets some KHS bikes in for you!
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0.3
User review of KHS XC-604 (08)
I use XC-104 with upgraded rear shock with Ario 2.2. It's XC-604 now I presume.
Having upgrade all components as well, to match 604 level.
Very light and solid frame. The geometry was great, and just perfect to get into single tracks or any XC trail.
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0.3
User review of KHS XC-604 (08)
Hi Y'all.
It would be REALLY helpful if you also indicated how this compares with the Boardman FS which is the benchmark at this price range..which is after all what most of us can afford..
Thanks
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Specification
- Name:
- XC-604 (08)
- Built by:
- KHS
- Price:
- $1599.00
- Available Sizes:
- L, M, S
- Size:
- 19 Inches
- Weight (kg):
- 13.7
- Year:
- 2008
Frame & Fork:
- Frame Material:
- 6061 alu
- Fork Brand:
- Marzocchi
- Fork Model:
- MX Pro Lo Air
- Rear Shock Brand:
- RockShox
- Rear Shock Model:
- Ario 2.1 shock
Geometry:
- Seat Angle:
- 71 Degrees
- Head Angle:
- 68 Degrees
Brakes:
- Brakes Brand:
- Shimano
- Brakes Model:
- Hydraulic Disc
Transmission:
- Cranks Brand:
- TruVativ
- Cranks Model:
- Firex
- Bottom Bracket Brand:
- Truvativ
- Bottom Bracket Model:
- GXP
- Rear Derailleur Brand:
- SRAM
- Rear Derailleur Model:
- X9
- Front Derailleur Brand:
- Shimano
- Front Derailleur Model:
- Deore
- Shifters Brand:
- SRAM
- Shifters Model:
- X7
- Chain Model:
- 9spd/SRAM
- Cassette:
- Shimano HG50 11-34
Wheels:
- Wheels Brand:
- WTB
- Wheels Model:
- SpeedDisc All Mtn
- Front Wheel Weight:
- 2065 g
- Rear Wheel Weight:
- 2715 g
- Rims Model:
- WTB SpeedDisc double wall
- Rear Hub Brand:
- Shimano
- Front Tyre Model:
- Nevegal
- Front Tyre Size:
- 26x2.1
- Rear Tyre Model:
- Nevegal
- Rear Tyre Size:
- 26x2.1
Contact Points:
- Seatpost Brand:
- WTB
- Seatpost Model:
- Silverado
- Stem Brand:
- TruVativ
- Stem Model:
- XR
- Handlebar Brand:
- TruVativ
- Handlebar Model:
- XR
:
- Bottom Bracket Height (in):
- 13.25 in
- Standover Height (in):
- 30.9 (in)
- Seat Tube (in):
- 19 in
- Chainstays (in):
- 16.75
- Top Tube (in):
- 23.8 in
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